How the Assembly theme is interpreted
The Assembly theme, One Body, One Spirit, One Hope, is drawn from Ephesians 4:4 (NRSV): “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.”
One Body
This element represents our relationship as one body of Christ, rooted in the love of Christ, centered in the cross of Christ and our sacramental life together, and united in service to God’s creation. It expresses the body of Christ rejoicing together, liberated by grace, with arms reaching out to the world in holistic mission. It also reminds us that we are inextricably connected to each other and all creation. We see in this image a spirit of welcome and hospitality, reflecting the city of Kraków and the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland, the host for the Assembly.
One Spirit
This element represents our connection in and through the work of the Holy Spirit. The dove as the Holy Spirit moving us, igniting renewal in the church, our communities, and the world. The dove also serves as a symbol of peace and unity, drawing upon the theme of the Assembly biblical text from Ephesians 4:3-4. This image of unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace is a reminder of God’s transformative work of justice, peace and reconciliation.
One Hope
This element represents the hope we have in our faith, rooted in Christ - hope that springs forth like leaves on a branch, bearing new life. The three leaves represent our Trinitarian theology as Lutherans and combined with the branch reflect the commitment of the LWF Communion of churches to ecological and economic justice. The branch in this design is a direct reference to the branch carried by the dove in the LWF logo – tying together the themes of reconciliation through advocacy and dialogue as well as stewardship of creation.
Assembly Thematic Content Reference Group
We wish to thank the members of the Assembly Thematic Content Reference Group for developing the Assembly Study Guide which will be used at the Assembly to reflect on the theme.
- Rev. Dr Jean KOULAGNA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cameroon)
- Rev. Dr Nelavala G. PRASUNA (South Andhra Lutheran Church, UELCI)
- Prof. Rev. Tore JOHNSEN (Church of Norway)
- Prof. Dr Claudia JAHNEL (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria)
- Prof. Dr Jerzy SOJKA (Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland)
- Rev. Danielle DOKMAN (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Suriname)
- Rev. Dr Evangeline Anderson RAJKUMAR (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)
- Rev. Szabolcs NAGY (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hungary)
Past Assemblies
LWF Assemblies are unique and shaped by the historical context in which it takes place, its venue, and the people who participate and organize the event. Each Assembly is held under a theme that reflects its unique context and provides a basis for reflection and messaging. To view past Assembly themes click here.
